Eleven endangered heritage sites from nine European countries have been shortlisted by an advisory panel for the 7 Most Endangered programme 2024 run by the EIB Institute and Europa Nostra, the voice of civil society committed to cultural and natural heritage, and supported by Creative Europe.
Ranging from working-class housings in Roubaix-Tourcoing (France) to the Synagogue of Siena (Italy) and a palace in Northern Masuria (Poland), the sites are:
Archaeological Site of Muret e Portës, Durrës, (Albania)
Amberd Historical and Cultural Reserve, (Armenia)
Palais du Midi, Brussels, (Belgium)
Working-class Housing (courées) in Roubaix-Tourcoing, (France)
Cycladic Islands, notably Sifnos, Serifos and Folegandros, (Greece)
Church of San Pietro in Gessate, Milan, (Italy)
Synagogue of Siena, (Italy)
Palace in Sztynort, northern Masuria, (Poland)
Home of the Yugoslav People’s Army in Šabac, (Serbia)
Greek Orthodox Church of St. Georgios, Altınözü / Hatay province, (Türkiye)
Iron Gate of Antioch, Antakya / Hatay province, (Türkiye)
The shortlist was made based on the outstanding heritage significance and cultural value of each of the sites as well as on the basis of the serious danger that they are facing today. The level of engagement of local communities and the commitment of public and private stakeholders to saving these sites were considered as crucial added values. Another selection criterion was the potential of these sites to act as a catalyst for sustainable development and as a tool for promoting peace and dialogue within their localities and wider regions.
The 7 Most Endangered 2024 laureates will be announced in the spring.
The Director and Dean of the European Investment Bank Institute, Shiva Dustdar, said: “Cultural heritage is a key resource for European identity, attractiveness and economic growth. This shortlist reminds us how fragile it is and how much we take it for granted. Together with our long-time partner Europa Nostra, the Institute amplifies the efforts of local communities throughout Europe who know that saving cultural heritage sites will help them tackle other pressing challenges. We hope to see the sites restored and preserved for generations to come.”
The Executive President of Europa Nostra, Prof. Dr. Hermann Parzinger, stated: “The selected heritage sites are threatened by demolition, unsuitable development, the devastating impact of natural disasters, neglect or lack of funding. By publishing this shortlist, we wish to convey a strong message of solidarity and support to the activists and local communities who are deeply committed to saving these sites. Europe’s heritage must be preserved not only as a testimony of our shared past, but also as a catalyst for a sustainable, cohesive and peaceful future.”
The Institute serves as a gateway between the world of cultural heritage and the EIB Group, supporting the EIB Group’s activities in the field of cultural heritage and facilitating the transfer of know-how and experience between different partners and countries to safeguard European cultural heritage.
